by Lisa Glenn
Shelby?
“Shelby!”
"Uh?" I jerked awake.
It was Jack. “Shelby! Open this door! It’s your Mom. You need to come down, now!” He was hollering from the other side of the old wooden door in a voice I had never heard from him before. It was a frantic, almost panicked.
I gasped in fear, jumping out of my bed and quickly dressed in a pair of cut-off shorts and a white t-shirt. I threw my bedroom door open and flew down the stairs then stopped short, as if I had hit an invisible wall. My eyes widened in shock at the sight before me.
Two men in blue attire were carrying my mom out on a stretcher while another was talking to Jack in hushed tones. I ignored them and ran after the stretcher.
“Momma?” My eyes filled with tears and my heart was beating erratically. I was having trouble breathing.
“Momma?”
Another man also in a blue shirt, pulled me back. “Stand clear, please.”
“NO! That’s my Momma! Please, why are you taking her?” Fear raced up and down my spine like chilling fingers.
The blue shirt man gently pulled me back again. “We’re taking her to the hospital. Go to your dad now.” The men loaded the stretcher into the back of the ambulance and then jumped in, closing the doors with a slam.
Bam! Went one. Bam! The other.
The slamming of the ambulance doors will always be imprinted in my mind like a burn. Jack directed me to the car, and we followed the ambulance to the hospital. The smell of the place wasn’t something I will ever forget.
I sat inside the lobby, waiting to hear something... anything. The clock barely registered a.m. as I yawned, it being a reminder how early it was. I bent over and wrapped my arms around my middle. If anything happened to my momma, I didn't know what I would do. My body felt weightless, my mind numb.
For the second time in my life, I was truly frightened. Jack wasn’t a nice man like momma thought. Maybe I should have told her about all the times he tried to touch me, but I had no place else to go and didn't want momma mad at me or calling me a liar.
I would have given anything to have an older sibling, or at least someone to talk to. I did a quick scan of the lobby seeing it was full of people waiting to hear something about their own loved ones, she supposed. It was sad, really. They all spoke in hushed tones, some holding each other. I wrapped my arms tighter around myself, having no one there to comfort me, but me.
I counted the black squares on the floor; every other one being black. I was now up to one hundred and thirty-two, and I stopped, swiping at my face; my hand coming away wet.
I looked up when I heard Jack’s voice and saw he was walking towards me along with the Doctor. I watched as they got closer and saw Jack frowning. When we made eye contact, he motioned for me to come over where they both were standing.
“Shelby, the Doc here wants to talk to you. I need to go fill out some paperwork.” With that, he turned on his heels and left.
A man in a long white jacket smiled down at me. “Shelby is it?” At my nod he continued, pointing to some chairs in the far corner of the lobby.
“Let’s sit over there.”
I followed him dragging my feet. Once we were seated, he faced me.
“Shelby, did you know your Mother had been ill for quite some time?”
I didn’t answer, only nodded my head instead. A lump the size of a golf ball had now settled in my airway.
“She had cancer, Shelby... do you know what that is?”
Yes, I know what cancer is, I thought. The lump in my throat increased in size.
I cleared my throat, “Kind of.”
“Well...it spread throughout her whole body until it took everything. I’ve been her doctor for over a year now. She was a fighter.” He patted my knee. “I know she loved you.” He paused, then: “Your Mother has passed away, Shelby. I’m very sorry.”
A loud buzzing began in my head. A cramp took hold of my tummy and turned tighter and tighter. How does he know she loved me? Did she tell him that? Why didn't she tell me that? Why is he saying my momma was dead? I pinched my arm as hard as I could, so I would wake up. There I would see my momma sitting on my bed and then she would lean over and kiss me, and I would hug her. Then we would go downstairs, and she would make me breakfast and then... and...
Instead of my bed, I was still sitting in the sterile and cold waiting room, smelling old people and death. Now I could smell death. It was the worst thing I have ever smelled in my life, and it was all around me.
“But...what will happen to me?” I began to weep openly as everything around me started to pulse in and out, like I was in a mirrored funhouse at the Carnival. Momma took me there once, and we laughed when we saw each other in the warped mirrors...and we laughed and laughed and laughed...
He took my hand, his face gentle. “Your father will take care of you now, Shelby. I know it hurts.” The doctor stood up and seemed to open his mouth to say something else, and then closed it and walked away, his shoes echoing off the floor.
My mouth fell open. It hurts? That’s all I get? This isn’t real! I can’t live with Jack! Even in my shock at that moment, my mind blew open in panic-stricken terror.
He’ll hurt me! I just know it! No!
I felt completely lost now; nothing more than a little fluff of dandelion seed floating loose in a terrible hurricane-force wind. Unsure before, now I had absolutely no idea what my future holds. I watched as Jack moved in closer.
“Come on, Shelby. Let’s go home. I need a drink.” With that, he walked right past me and headed out through the double doors. I stood frozen for a good minute then on wobbly legs--and with nowhere else to go--I hurried after him.
In the car on the way home, I was nothing but numb. I stared straight ahead at the cars whizzing by, not seeing nary a one.
Jack spoke in almost a jovial tone. “Well kiddo, it’s just you and me now.” He looked over at me and grinned. Fascinated and in deep shock, I marveled at his silver tooth which seemed to wink at me.
Arriving home, and while Jack was busy locking up the garage and taking his bottles of 'hidden' liquor out to display boldly on the kitchen counter, I ran upstairs to my room. I grabbed my old school backpack and dumped out all the junk it held onto my bed. I crammed my backpack full of clothes, adding a toothbrush and a brush for my hair. My eyes scan over my sparse room. I quickly slide out the box momma had left me, remembering everything we had put in there.
I felt physically ill knowing I would have to leave some, if not most of this behind. I opened the flap and spotted the jewelry box with the pearls inside. That’s when I saw it...a large yellow envelope with Shelby written on top. When had she put that in there?
I picked up the envelope and walked over to my bed and sat down. After carefully turning it over in my hands, my nervous fingers traced my name. The envelope opened easily, as if my momma knew I would be reading it very soon. I pulled out a sheaf of paper and a folded-up wad of money. The letter was addressed to me. I began to read:
My dearest little Shelby,
If you’re reading this, it means that I have finally gone on to be with my heavenly Father. I will make this quick. You know how I don’t like to write much. I’ve left you some money in case you need it for anything. It was all I had. I wish I could give you more. The house is yours, but you can’t have it until you turn 18. Jack has promised to take care of you, but I don’t trust him. I knew what he was trying to do to you, Shelby. I’m so sorry, please forgive me. By the time I had figured it all out, I was already too sick to fight. I have something to tell you, hon. A long time ago, I lived in a small town down in the south of Florida called Laurel Hill. Every Sunday I went to a little country church, and that’s when I first saw you. You were so pretty and sweet, and I wanted a little girl real bad. And I couldn’t have any children of my own, so I just took you. Your real name is Mary Elizabeth. I don’t remember your last name. I have never regretted taking you, and for that I know I will be punished, but I lo
ved you too much for any regrets. As soon as I grabbed you and left, I drove as far away as I could. That’s when we came to live in Wyoming. I found our small house and fixed it up for us. I forged a new birth certificate for you. It was so easy, even I was surprised. Made one up on a computer. Take this money Shelby and get a bus ticket. Don’t talk to any strangers. You go find your real mother and father if you want. Get away from Jack. He’s not right, and I’m afraid he’ll hurt you once I’m gone. I have always loved you as my own, Mary.
Yours forever until time ends,
Mamie xxxooo
I gasped, reading the letter over and over again. I now felt as if my entire life had been ripped in two. One part of me still wrapped in her arms while the other part now invisible. Everything I thought I had known was a lie.
“Shelby? Come down here a minute!” Jack shouted.
Oh no! I took too long! What was I going to do? I’ve got to get out of here and now, before he comes for me.
With hands shaking, I shoved the money and letter back into the envelope and stuffed it in my bag.
Jack hollered again, “Shelby!”
“I’m coming, Jack! I’ll be down in a minute.” I couldn’t let him get a hold of me! He was probably drunk by now. My eyes slid to the window as I tried to pull myself together. Almost staggering, I walked over and looked out. There wasn’t any time to think this through.
I slid my window open and looked down. It would probably break my leg if I jumped, but the tree closest to the window was kind enough to offer a few sturdy branches that I could use to climb down. I hooked my backpack on and had one foot out the window when I remembered my box.
I hurried to the side of my bed and fell to all fours, snatching it up. With my bag snug on my back and the box tucked safely under my arm, I crawled out onto the ledge and jumped onto one of the branches of the big oak, quickly scampering down. Once I hit the bottom, I took off in a run down the dirt road, never looking back. I didn't stop until I knew I was far enough away to not be seen from the house. He will come looking for me, I know this... and he will be spitting nails in anger and drunken rage.
I had to reach the bus stop. I didn’t have time to try and think about anything else because my mind was nothing but a jumbled mess of disconnected thoughts. First of momma, then the hospital, then the doctor, the letter; everything. When I got on the bus, maybe then I could breathe.
If, I got on the bus, I reminded myself.
I kept to the side of the road, watching both directions for momma's car. It wasn’t long before I heard the familiar whir of the motor. I veered into the woods past the tree lines, so that he wouldn't see me. I hid behind a big pine and watched as the Chrysler came into view.
He’s driving slowly. I know he's looking for me, but he wasn't going to find me. Never again was he going to touch me! My stomach rumbled uncomfortably, and I prayed he wouldn't stop. It was loud enough for anyone to hear within five feet of me. I tightened my stomach muscles, resolute.
It’ll be a while before I get anything to eat. I don't believe I could eat anything anyway; my entire life had changed. Everything I knew... gone. “Momma, why did you have to go?” I whispered into the breeze.
I stayed hidden, letting the tears fall from my cheeks as I watched the Chrysler slowly move away from me. After the car passes far enough, I began walking again but this time I stayed hidden in case he doubled back, keeping the road to my right and always in my line of vision.
It was late in the afternoon by the time I made it into the town proper. I knew where the bus station was as my Aunt Lilly came to visit occasionally, or used to before Jack moved in. The question was could I make it without Jack finding me first? I was keeping my eye open to every car that approached or came up from behind me, my heart freezing every time one resembled the Chrysler in any way at all. I try to keep myself hidden by ducking behind trees that lined the streets and between the parked cars. I can smell gas fumes and tar as I bent down on hands and knees, waiting… then getting up to continue.
When I spot the bus station, I also spot the maroon Chrysler right out front. My heart dropped to my feet, unsure what to do. I knew I would have to wait it out until he left, no matter how long that took. I found a 'look-out' spot behind a large tree. I was able to peak around it and watch the station with little chance of being seen. I don’t hear anyone come up behind me until it’s too late.
“Shelby, what are you doing, honey? Playing hide-n-seek?”
I jumped as if I had been electrocuted and turned around to face Mrs. Hendrix, my math teacher from the previous year.
“Hi!” I squeaked. I looked behind me toward Jack’s car and my only means of escape from this town.
“Yes, Mrs. Hendrix, that’s right! I’m playing hide and seek. I have to go now, so I’ll see you later.” Mrs. Hendrix’s arm wrapped around my shoulder when I tried to run past her to find a more inconspicuous place. She pushed her glasses up her nose.
“Shelby, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Are you okay? If you need anything, please let me know, dear.”
“Sure, Mrs. Hendrix, I will.” Since when did she ever care about me? It made me mad when grown-ups played at caring. How did Mrs. Hendrix even know? crossed my mind fleetingly. “I’m sorry, but I have to go before they find me.” I snatched my arm back and sprinted past her.
“Shelby,” I heard her call out, “Who is after you?”
I didn’t answer. I ran up the sidewalk in the opposite direction from the bus station, I veered to the right running between two houses. I came upon a gate that was connected to one of the brick homes and opened it, now walking through the back yard until I reached the back fence. I jumped over and took off at a flat-run.
I wasn’t sure how far I had gone before I had to stop from lack of oxygen. I bent over, taking in great gulps of air. Once my breathing returned to normal, I glanced around, knowing exactly where my running had led me. I’ve entered what was called by the locals, The Black Forest. There was a legend about the forest, something about wood sprites living here and such. Supposedly, (according to legend) they protected the forest with magic.
It was darker in the woods with tall, thick evergreens surrounding me at every turn. The ground was thick and soft, and my small feet sunk in then pulled out with a soft slurpy sound with each step, but I wasn’t about to go back yet. I was simply too tired and hungry. I hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday afternoon, and the backpack was heavy, causing my shoulder to ache.
I walked a little further into the dark and eerie woods, the tall trees with their spindly branches seeming to point accusing fingers at me. The rustling of the leaves I was sure were caused from the sprites watching my every move. I shivered and kept walking. There was no way I could go back at this point, anyway... I was too deep in. The legends stated that the sprites protected everything in their woods and now as I was in them meant I was protected, or at least that was how I thought of it. I relaxed my shoulders, pondering on this.
I almost walked right past it, but something caused me to look down, and I saw a hole big enough for someone to lie in at the bottom of a large tree. I fell to my knees and peered in. Nothing but a few spiders. It would be perfect! When a long stick to my right caught my attention, I snatched it up and poked it into the hole, snatching at the cobwebs and making an 'eww' face, removed them.
I pulled the backpack off my shoulders and sat it on the ground, my slender shoulders sighing a thank you. I unzipped it and pulled out a clean shirt, pulling off my dirty one slipping the much warmer and cleaner one on. I wrapped the dirty one around the stick and used it to brush away any remaining webs or spiders. When that was accomplished, I shook it out and wadded it up, placing it into the hole to use as a pillow. It would still get chilly tonight, but this would be a perfect place to sleep and at least keep some of the chill off until morning.
I crawled into my makeshift little nest and curled into a ball. I was too tired and hungry to do much else but sleep.
My dreams were fitful; causing me to moan out as creatures of the night came to my unconscious form to gaze or sniff at this strange newcomer into their forest.
Chapter Three
The Black Forest
I woke to the feeling of something crawling up my leg. I opened one eye and peeked down to see and sure enough, it was a black spider. Good thing I wasn’t scared of spiders. I brushed it off and crawled out of my hiding spot, the muscles in my arms and legs stiff and sore, but not too painful. I stood and scanned my surroundings with my still sleepy eyes. I hadn’t been able to get a good look last night.
It was lush and filled with an assortment of greens. The forest wasn’t at all spooky, at least during the day. I brushed the dirt off my legs and arms, deciding it was time to try my luck back at the bus station. Knowing Jack wouldn’t be there, this early at least, I picked up my bag and box from beside the tree.
I walked back the way I had come the night before. It didn’t take me long to reach the tree line. I used more caution as I followed the same path back into town.
My lips tightened. The car was still parked in the exact same spot. Ironically, he didn’t leave. Knowing him, he had probably got drunk and slept in the car. Goose bumps popped up on my arm.
With a heavy sigh, I turned back around. I wasn’t even sure how far it was to the next town, and now my stomach was gurgling and growling unceasingly.
An old man now occupied the yard with the fence I had jumped earlier, which effectively cut off my last escape route. However, he suddenly got up, and I watched as he closed the gate and walked down the street. I came out from behind a tree and crept back through his yard. I had an idea.
